Brexit live: MPs vote to extend Article 50

Brexit live: MPs vote to extend Article 50

MPs have voted to authorise Theresa May to seek an extension of the two-year Article 50 negotiations, delaying Brexit beyond March 29.

They earlier decisively rejected an attempt to secure a second referendum, voting by 334 to 85 – a margin of 249 – against an amendment tabled by members of The Independent Group of former Labour and Tory MPs, who quit their parties in part because of differences over EU withdrawal.

And by the far narrower margin of 314-312, MPs voted down a cross-party bid for Parliament to seize control of the Brexit process.

Here’s the latest from Westminster:

‘Spectacular indecision’

David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, has described Labour’s position on a second referendum as “spectacular indecision”.

Spectacular indecision on the part of @UKLabour on the issue of a second referendum.

Following the vote, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reiterated his support for a People’s Vote.

He said: “Today I reiterate my conviction that a deal can be agreed based on our alternative plan that can command support across the House.

“I also reiterate our support for a People’s Vote – not as a political point-scoring exercise but as a realistic option to break the deadlock.”

On the rejection of a second referendum, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable told the Press Association: “Jeremy Corbyn didn’t follow through on his promise to support it.

“Clearly he has difficulties with the issue despite the support of Labour MPs and Labour voters.

“It is disappointing, but I think it will come back again in the same way Theresa May’s deal keeps coming back.”

Brexit process will be extended

MPs have approved a Government motion which aims to extend the Brexit process by 412 votes to 202, majority 210.

(PA Graphics)

Benn on victory despite loss

Hilary Benn told the Press Association: “What we’ve won today – although we lost the vote on my amendment – is Stephen Barclay confirmed that the Government will bring this so-called neutral motion back by the 25th and we will have a chance to amend it.

“So, in effect, the slot to decide what we are going to do next as Parliament was won six days later than we were hoping, but that is as a result of putting down the amendment.”

MPs are now voting on the Government motion to seek an extension of the two-year Article 50 negotiations.

Corbyn amendment defeated

MPs have rejected a Labour amendment which calls for a delay to Brexit “to provide parliamentary time for this House to find a majority for a different approach” by 318 votes to 302, majority 16.

(PA Graphics)

MP resigns as Watson aide

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has resigned as an aide to deputy leader Tom Watson “in order to vote against a second referendum”.

I've resigned from Labour's front bench this evening in order to vote against a second referendum. This was a difficult decision but I have a duty to support the will of my constituents. We need to leave, and leave with a deal that works for the Potteries https://t.co/yOtP1jWsmS

The Labour leadership had a “constructive” meeting with backbench MPs Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson – who have put forward a plan to back Theresa May’s deal on the condition it is put to a referendum.

A Labour Party spokesman said: “This afternoon Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, Nick Brown and Keir Starmer had a useful and constructive discussion with Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson as part of Labour’s engagement with MPs across Parliament to find a practical solution to break the Brexit deadlock.”

The move comes after Labour MPs where whipped to abstain on an amendment calling for a second referendum.

Another narrow Government victory

MPs have rejected an amendment which seeks to allow the House of Commons to decide what kind of Brexit deal should be negotiated by 314 votes to 312, majority two.

Independent Group MP Sarah Wollaston said she would try again next week after her amendment calling for a new referendum was rejected.

Dr Wollaston told the Press Association: “The disappointing thing is that the Labour Party, having said they would support a people’s vote, clearly haven’t supported a people’s vote.

“But, we’ll be bringing it back next week.”

Barnier being patient

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said he was awaiting the completion of votes in the House of Commons “with patience”, but believed the Withdrawal Agreement reached in November remains “the only one available”.

In a speech in Romania, Mr Barnier said: “What we need to move ahead is not a negative vote against no-deal. We need a constructive and positive vote.”

He added: “I will continue to exercise patience and calm and to remain respectful of the UK and its people and of its legislative and parliamentary procedures. We will be expecting and awaiting the votes in that spirit.”

Holding up a copy of his Withdrawal Agreement, Mr Barnier said: “If the UK still wants to leave the EU and wishes to leave it in an orderly fashion – which is what the Prime Minister said – then this treaty… is the only one available.”

Meaningless Commons vote just now on another referendum in which overwhelming majority of us who back one abstained. Priority today #article50 extension, as yesterday it was taking #NoDealBrexit off the table. #finalsay#peoplesvote day will come & better when we can win it.

Reacting to the result on the Wollaston amendment, Ian Blackford the SNP leader in Westminster called Labour “absolutely spineless” and “the midwifes” to Theresa May’s Brexit.

We have lost a people’s vote amendment by 334 votes to 85 votes. Labour abstained. An opportunity to drive forward the need for such a vote and Labour flunk it. They are the midwifes to @theresa_may Brexit. Absolutely spineless. #peoplesvote

Speaker John Bercow has selected four amendments – and one amendment to an amendment – for debate, but not all of them will necessarily be pushed to a vote.

– Second referendum

Tabled by Independent Group MP Sarah Wollaston and backed by members of the new grouping, Liberal Democrats and a handful from other parties, this amendment seeks an Article 50 extension to stage a second referendum with Remain and Parliament’s preferred Brexit option on the ballot paper.

– Indicative votes

Tabled by a cross-party group led by Labour’s Hilary Benn and Yvette Cooper and Tory Sir Oliver Letwin, this would allow Parliament to take control of business in the Commons on March 20 to force a series of indicative votes to establish MPs’ preferred option for Brexit.

An amendment to the “indicative votes” plan, tabled by Labour’s Lucy Powell, would limit to June 30 any extension of Brexit talks to discuss Parliament’s preferred option.

– Labour

Labour’s amendment notes that Parliament has “decisively” rejected both Mrs May’s deal and no deal and calls for a delay to Brexit “to provide parliamentary time for this House to find a majority for a different approach”.

– Block the “meaningful vote”

An amendment tabled by Labour’s Chris Bryant challenges Theresa May’s right under parliamentary rules to bring her Withdrawal Agreement back before the Commons for a third “meaningful vote”, after it was rejected by a majority of 230 in January and 149 this week.

The vote on Mrs May’s proposals will take place at the end of the sequence, with MPs voting on the PM’s motion “as amended” if any of the amendments have secured a majority.

Earlier, the US president gave his opinion on the Brexit process:

Ahead of the votes, the Independent Group of MPs are pushing ahead with a cross-party amendment calling for a new Brexit referendum despite expecting it to be voted down, sources said.

A Tig source said: “I think it would be an absolute travesty if we get to the end of this process and Parliament has been too spineless to actually press an amendment.

“We absolutely refute this idea that it is one shot. We will be bringing it every opportunity now.

“I am under no illusion, without unequivocal Labour Party support it cannot pass.

“I fully expect the Labour Party to feel the heat and to get round to backing it next week.”

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